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FORT MYERS -- Daniel Bard remains on schedule to start Sunday against the Blue Jays, even though a CSNNE.com report yesterday indicated a member of the Red Sox staff has told others outside the organization that the right-hander likely will start the season back in the bullpen.

Speaking on WEEI's "Mut & Merloni" show today, Bard echoed what he has been saying throughout the spring, namely that he hasn't been informed of any decision and he continues to think of himself as a starting pitcher.

"You know, it's hard to even talk about right now, given that my mind is still fully on starting," Bard said in the radio interview. "It's not just a good mindset to be in. If it does come to a case where I need to go back to the bullpen, I accept it for what it is, make the most of it and try and help the team that way. But right now I'm still a starter in my own eyes and let everyone else make their own decisions."

Bard has walked seven batters and allowed 10 hits in 7-2/3 innings this spring, although seven of those runs came in a rain-interrupted relief appearance last week against the Cardinals, his only non-start of spring training. Bobby Valentine was critical of his performance Tuesday night, noting that Bard must exhibit better control and wishing he had thrown more than one changeup in 83 pitches. Bard explained yesterday that he prioritized getting positive results over working on a pitch in a game situation.

Team sources told the Herald yesterday that no decisions have been made on Bard's role.